The  Road 
To  Health 


TREASURY  DEPARTMENT 
UNITED  STATES  PUBLIC  HEALTH  SERVICE 

191) 


GOVERNMENT  PRINTINO  OFFICE 


This  pamphlet  was  prepared  es- 
pecially for  the  information  of  sol- 
diers, sailors,  marines,  and  nurses 
discharged  from  military  duty,  and 
is  designed  to  help  those  who  are 
ill  regain  health  and  strength  and 
to  stimulate  the  interest  in  public- 
health  matters,  awakened  during 
their  service  with  the  military 
forces. 


The  Road  To  Health 

Even  while  the  war  was  claiming  thou- 
sands of  lives  on  the  European  battlefields, 
hundreds  of  thousands  of  lives  were  lost 
right  here  at  home  because  of  preventable 
diseases.  The  war  is  over.  We  have  won 
the  fight  for  democracy,  but  we  have  yet  to 
win  the  fight  against  this  more  insidious, 
more  permanent,  and  in  the  aggregate 
more  direct  foe  of  mankind — disease. 

HOW  TO  PREVENT  SICKNESS 

There  is  nothing  mysterious  about  the 
prevention  of  sickness.  Clean  homes,  clean 
food,  clean  hands,  clean  teeth,  clean  milk, 
pure  water,  fresh  air,  sanitary  privies,  war 
on  flies  and  mosquitoes — their  cost  is 
trifling,  yet  they  work  wonders  and  will 
prevent  much  sickness. 

Are  you  sure  you  are  doing  your  part? 

Do  you  keep  your  home  clean  and  well 
aired? 

Is  your  drinking  water  safe?  If  it  comes 
from  a  spring  or  well,  are  you  sure  that  no 
drainage  from  a  privy,  cesspool,  or  stable 
can  pollute  the  water? 

130527° — 19  3 


Is  the  milk  which  your  children  drink 
either  pasteurized  or  scalded?  Do  they 
each  receive  three  glasses  of  milk  daily? 

Is  the  baby  nursed  at  the  breast  as  he 
should  be?  Is  he  kept  clean?  Does  he  get 
plenty  of  fresh  air  and  is  he  kept  out  of  the 
hot,  stuffy  kitchen?  Do  you  know  that 
bottle  babies  should  have  orange  juice  each 
day  after  the  first  mpnth? 

Do  you  know  .that  flies  and  mosquitoes 
carry  disease,  and  do  you  keep  them  out  of 
your  house  by  proper  screening? 

Do  you  know  that  all  colds  are  "  catch- 
ing "  and  may  lead  to  dangerous  disease  in 
others,  especially  children? 

Do  you  know  that  sickness  is  often 
spread  by  dirty  hands?  Do  you  always 
wash  your  hands  before  eating  or  handling 
food? 

When  any  of  your  family  is  ill  with  scar- 
let fever,  measles,  diphtheria,  whooping 
cough,  .typhoid  fever,  tuberculosis,  or  other 
preventable  diseases,  is  your  health  officer 
always  notified  so  that  he  can  help  to  keep 
the  disease  from  spreading  to  others? 

Is  your  home  connected  with  a  sewer? 
If  not,  have  you  a  sanitary  fly-proof  privy? 


Finally,  are  you  and  your  family  physi- 
cally fit?  How  do  you  know?  Have  they 
been  physically  examined  as  the  soldiers 
were? 

Do  you  know  that  yearly  medical  exami- 
nations are  useful  to  detect  early  signs  of 
illness  and  so  prolong  life?  If  you  can  an- 
swer "  yes  "  to  all  these  questions,  are  you 
certain  that  your  neighbor  can,  too?  Don't 
let  his  carelessness  endanger  your  health. 
In  this  great  emergency  the  Government 
looks  to  all  of  its  people  to  give  it  their 
whole-hearted  support. 

CORRECTING  PHYSICAL  DEFECTS 

The  medical  examinations  for  military 
service  showed  that  about  one-third  of  the 
men  suffered  from  physical  defects  which 
made  them  unfit  for  active  military  duty. 
A  large  proportion  of  the  defects  discov- 
ered could  have  been  prevented  if  attended 
to  in  early  life;  others  could  still  be  cured 
or  relieved  by  proper  medical  attention. 

You  will  do  well  to  read  ovei  the  follow- 
ing advice  carefully;  it  may  help  you  to  im- 
prove your  own  condition  or  that  of  your 
children. 

The  time  for  patriotic  service  has  not 
passed.  The  health  of  the  youth  of  the 


Nation,  indeed,  of  all  citizens,  is  the  great- 
est asset  of  the  Nation. 

We  must  not  lose  the  lessons  of  the  war; 
we  have  paid  too  high  a  price  for  them. 

It  is  your  duty  to  your  family,  to  yourself, 
and  to  your  country  to  keep  well,  to  im- 
prove your  health  to  the  highest  degree,  to 
assist  in  making  the  Nation  strong  and  fit 
for  the  great  tasks  ahead,  and  for  the  hap- 
pier and  larger  life  that  awaits  the  people 
of  this  war-torn  world. 

DEFECTIVE  EYESIGHT.— Be  sure  that 
your  vision  is  corrected  by  properly  fitted 
glasses.  Have  this  done  by  an  eye  special- 
ist, eye  dispensary,  or  eye  hospital.  Do  not 
try  to  fit  cheap  glasses  to  your  own  eyes. 
Eye  strain  from  badly  fitting  glasses  may 
in  time  seriously  affect  your  eyesight  or 
health. 

TEETH. — Decayed  roots,  infected  gums, 
decayed  teeth,  irregular  teeth  which  can 
not  grind  may  cause  many  forms  of  serious 
disease,  and  should  have  immediate  at- 
tention. Get  artificial  teeth  if  the  grinding 
teeth  are  missing,  for  if  you  do  not  prop- 
erly chew  your  food  your  health  may  suf- 
fer. Brush  the  teeth  thoroughly  at  least 
twice  a  day.  If  you  have  aching  or  decayed 


teeth  or  much  gold  work  or  many  fillings 
make  sure  that  the  roots  are  not  diseased; 
have  an  X-ray  examination  made.  This  is 
especially  important  if  you  have  rheuma- 
tism or  any  joint  trouble,  for  which  other1 
causes  can  not  be  found. 

NASAL  CATARRH,  ADENOIDS,  EN- 
LARGED TONSILS,  MOUTH  BREATH- 
ING.— This  condition  very  commonly  de- 
velops in  childhood  and  demands  careful 
attention  on  the  part  of  parents.  When 
properly  treated,  in  some  instances  by  a 
simple  operation,  it  is  often  a  curable  con- 
dition. When  left  untreated  it  may  lead 
to  deformity  of  the  mouth  and  nose,  to  poor 
development  of  the  chest,  and  to  permanent 
weakness. 

FEET. — Aside  from  paralysis,  clubfoot, 
or  deformities  resulting  from  injuries,  etc., 
most  foot  troubles  are  due  to  improperly 
fitting  shoes,  improper  position  in  walking 
or  standing,  lack  of  exercise,  and  weakness 
of  the  muscles  in  the  forepart  of  the  leg 
that  support  the  arch  of  the  foot.  Prop- 
erly fitting  shoes  of  correct  shape  with  a 
straight  inner  edge  will  help  to  correct 
weakfoot,  bunions,  corns,  callouses,  and 
painful  joints. 


Exercise  the  toe  muscles  by  working  the 
toes  up  and  down  over  the  edge  of  a  thick 
board  30  times  daily.  Stand  with  feet  par- 
allel and  somewhat  apart  with  great  toes 
^firmly  gripping  the  ground.  Without  bend- 
ing the  knees  or  moving  the  feet  rotate  the 
thighs  outward  repeatedly.  This  is  chiefly 
done  by  strong  contraction  of  the  great 
muscles  of  the  back  of  the  thigh  and  seat. 
Improve  your  general  health;  take  general 
exercise  to  strengthen  your  body.  Bathe 
the  feet  daily.  See  a  surgeon  if  these 
simple  measures  are  not  sufficienV  The 
arches  found  in  the  shops  will  not  correct 
flatfoot.  They  merely  act  as  crutches. 
Hammertoe,  bunion,  and  many  other  de- 
fects can  be  corrected  by  a  surgeon.  Pain- 
ful feet  may  be  due  lo  infection  in  tooth 
sockets  or  tonsils;  search  for  such  condi- 
tions should  be  made.  Mere  flatness  of  the 
foot  without  pain  or  other  deformity  may 
be  of  no  importance. 

UNDERWEIGHT.— Underweight  is  often 
due  to  irregular  habits  of  eating  and  sleep- 
ing and  lack  of  regular  exercise.  Have  a 
thorough  examination  at  intervals  by  a 
competent  physician,  or  in  a  dispensary  or 
clinic,  to  determine  whether  or  not  any 
serious  disease  exists  (especially  hook- 

8    . 


worm  or  tuberculosis).  Eat  freely  of  fat- 
forming  foods  mentioned  in  next  para- 
graph. 

OVERWEIGHT.— Secure  as  much  regu- 
lar exercise  as  possible.  Be  thoroughly  ex- 
amined for  evidence  of  disease.  Extreme 
overweight,  especially  at  middle  life,  pro- 
duces as  high  a  death  rate  as  heart  disease. 
Cut  down  the  fat-forming  foods,  such  as 
bread,  butter,  cereals,  sugars,  fats,  and  sub- 
stitute more  green  vegetables  and  fruits. 

HERNIA  OR  RUPTURE.— Operation  is 
often  advisable.  Consult  your  family  phy- 
sician or  go  to  a  good  hospital  for  advice 
and  treatment. 

PILES,  HEMORRHOIDS.— These  are 
often  caused  by  constipation  and  lack  of 
exercise.  Do  not  make  a  habit  of  using 
drugs  or  purgatives.  Plenty  of  bulky  food, 
bran  bread  or  .biscuits,  fruits,  lettuce,  spin- 
ach, cabbage,  brussels  sprouts,  carrots,  tur- 
nips, celery,  tomatoes,  salsify,  onions,  par- 
snips, and  oyster  plant  will  tend  to  correct 
constipation. 

If  piles  are  severe,  operation  will  help, 
but  the  original  cause  should  be  removed 
by  proper  diet. 


VARICOSE  VEINS.— This  condition  may 
be  relieved  by  the  use  of  woven  elastic 
bandages  or  stockings.  At  times  one  may 
consider  removal  by  operation.  (Great 
caution  is  necessary;  consult  your  family 
physician.) 

BLADDER,  KIDNEY,  URINARY 
TROUBLES. — Go  to  your  physician  or  to  a 
dispensary  or  hospital  and  place  yourself 
under  careful  medical  supervision.  Regu- 
lation of  your  diet,  work,  and  activities  may 
be  all  that  is  necessary,  but  your  condition 
should  be  watched  from  time  to  time.  Al- 
bumin in  the  urine  may  be  temporary,  but 
should  always  be  followed  up  and  exami- 
nation made  at  intervals.  Give  the  benefit 
of  the  doubt  to  your  kidneys,  and  live  a 
temperate  and  healthful  life,  avoiding  alco- 
holic stimulants,  excess  of  meat,  and  over- 
eating generally.  Be  examined  periodi- 
cally. Sugar  in  the  urine  calls  for  careful 
medical  supervision  and  regulation  of  diet 
and  periodic  examination  by  a  physician. 

DISCHARGE  FROM  EAR,  EAR 
TROUBLE. — See  an  ear  specialist  or  go  to 
an  ear  clinic.  Do  not  neglect  such  a  condi- 
tion, which  may  infect  other  parts  of  your 
body. 

10 


HEART  MURMURS,  HEART  AFFEC- 
TIONS.— A  person  with  an  imperfect  heart 
may  not  be  fit  for  hard  physical  labor,  but 
with  proper  regulation  of  diet,  exercise, 
work,  and  rest  his  heart  may  carry  him  to 
old  age.  If  you  have  heart  trouble  avoid 
stimulants  and  tobacco,  be  very  temperate 
in  the  use  of  tea  and  coffee,  avoid  excesses 
of  all  kinds;  eat  moderately;  avoid  heavy 
meals  at  night;  get  plenty  of  fresh  air;  ex- 
ercise daily  in  the  open,  but  be  careful  not 
to  overfatigue  your  heart  or  circulation; 
walking  and  gentle  hill-climbing  are  good, 
but  never  when  they  cause  pain  in  the  chest 
or  shortness  of  breath.  Avoid  dissipation 
and  undue  excitement.  If  there  is  breath- 
lessness,  dropsy,  or  dizziness,  careful  med- 
ical supervision  is  necessary.  All  damaged 
hearts  should  be  examined  at  least  once  a 
year  by  a  physician  and  the  condition 
noted.  Irregular  action  of  heart  in  some 
cases  is  of  little  importance;  in  others  it  is 
serious,  and  medical  observation  is  impor- 
tant to  settle  this. 

HIGH  BLOOD  PRESSURE.— This  may 

be  temporary,  but  should  be  watched  and 

life  regulated  as  above,  especially  avoiding 

physical  and  mental  overstrain  and  dissi- 

11 


pation.     Avoid    stimulants,    tobacco,    and 
overeating. 

LUNG  TROUBLES.— Where  there  is  sus- 
pected tuberculosis  consult  a  competent 
physician  and  follow  orders  strictly.  The 
basis  of  treatment  is  abundant  fresh  air 
and  nourishing  diet,  such  as  bread  and  but- 
ter, cereals,  and  fats,  but  do  not  neglect 
green  vegetables  and  fruits.  Avoid  alcohol 
and  tobacco.  Do  not  take  patent  medicines 
or  advertised  remedies,  or  patronize  ad- 
vertising quacks.  Avoid  fatigue  or  physi- 
cal and  mental  strain.  Do  not  take  any 
chances.  Report  to  the  health  officer  or 
health  department  of  your  district.  They 
will  be  glad  to  counsel  you. 

RHEUMATISM.— This  may  be  caused  by 
infection  in  tonsils,  teeth,  nasal  cavities,  or 
elsewhere.  Liniment  will  not  cure  it.  Be 
examined  by  a  physician  and  dentist,  and 
if  possible  have  the  infection  removed. 

DISEASE  OF  SEX  ORGANS.— Thor- 
ough-going persistent  treatment  is  neces- 
sary for  your  protection  and  for  the  pro- 
tection of  the  members  of  your  family  as 
well  as  that  of  your  community.  In  large 
cities,  clinics  for  the  treatment  of  these  dis- 
eases are  available  for  those  without  funds. 

12 


ALCOHOL. — Alcohol  as  ordinarily  taken 
is  not  a  stimulant  but  a  depressing  drug. 
Your  brain  and  nervous  system  govern 
your  body.  Not  only  does  alcohol  reduce 
working  efficiency,  but  life-insurance  ex- 
perience has  shown  that  the  death  rate 
among  steady  drinkers  supposed  to  be  tem- 
perate— even  within  the  bounds  of  so-called 
moderation — is  nearly  double  that  among 
average  people. 

Drink  is  apt  to  lead  you  into  trouble, 
possibly  to  a  miserable  death. 

NERVOUS  AND  MENTAL  DISEASES.— 
Such  conditions  should  be  closely  observed 
by  your  physician  or  at  some  clinic  for 
nervous  diseases.  Some  nervous  diseases 
are  due  to  bad  mental  habits,  to  fear,  fail- 
ure .to  take  courageous  grip  on  life  and  for- 
get one's  troubles.  Many  nervous  diseases 
are  caused  by  physical  conditions,  which 
should  be  sought  for  and  cured  by  a  thor- 
ough medical  examination  and  treatment 

MISCELLANEOUS  CONDITIONS.— Nose 
and  throat  trouble,  gall-bladder  trouble, 
chronic  appendicitis,  skin  affections — all 
such  conditions  should  have  immediate 
medical  investigation.  If  you  have  no  fam- 
ily physician,  or  if  your  means  are  limited, 
seek  hospital  or  dispensary  treatment 

13 


Do  not  go  through  life  with  handicaps 
that  may  be  easily  removed.  Do  not 
shorten  your  life  or  reduce  your  earning 
power  or  your  capacity  for  enjoying  life 
by  neglecting  your  bodily  condition. 


AVERAGE  HEIGHT,  WEIGHT,  AND  AGE 

FOR  MEN  AND  WOMEN. 

(For  a  man  add  2  pounds  to  the  average;  for  a  woman,  subtract 

2  pounds. 

(If  you  are  more  than  25  pounds  below  the  average  for  your  height 
and  age,  you  are  thin  and  probably  undernourished. 

Ages 

15-24 

25-29 

30-34 

35-39 

40-44 

45-49 

50-54 

53-60 

Feet  Inches 
5        0 

120 

125 

128 

131 

133 

134 

134 

134 

5        1 

122 

126 

129 

131 

134 

136 

136 

136 

5        2 

124 

128 

131 

133 

136 

138 

138 

138 

5        3 

127 

131 

134 

136 

139 

141 

141 

141 

5        4 

131 

135 

138 

140 

143 

144 

145 

145 

5        5 

134 

138 

141 

143 

146 

147 

149 

149 

5        6 

138 

142 

145 

147 

150 

151 

153 

153 

5        7 

142 

147 

150 

152 

155 

156 

158 

158 

5        8 

146 

151 

154 

157 

160 

161 

163 

163 

5        9 

150 

155 

159 

162 

165 

166 

167 

168 

5      10 

154 

159 

164 

167 

170 

171 

172 

173 

5      11 

159 

164 

169 

173 

175 

177 

177 

178 

6        0 

165 

170 

175 

179 

180 

183 

182 

183 

6        1 

170 

177 

181 

185 

186 

189 

188 

189 

6        2 

176 

184 

188 

193 

194 

196 

194 

194 

6        3 

181 

190 

195 

200 

203 

204 

201 

198 

I  • 


leS  Of  H          A    001  293  354" 


jyentilate  every  room  you  occupy. 
rear  loose,  porous  clothing  suited  to 
weather,  and  occupation. 

3.  If  you  are  an  indoor  worker,  be  sure 
to  get  recreation  outdoors. 

4.  Sleep  in  fresh  air  always;  in  the  open 
if  you  can. 

5.  Hold    a    handkerchief   before    your 
mouth  and  nose  when  you  cough  or  sneeze 
and  insist  that  others  do  so  too. 

6.  Always  wash  the  hands  before  eating. 

7.  Do  not  overeat.     This  applies  espe- 
cially to  meats  and  eggs. 

8.  Eat  some  hard  and  some  bulky  foods; 
some  fruits. 

9.  Eat  slowly — chew  thoroughly. 

10.  Drink  sufficient  water  daily. 

11.  Evacuate  thoroughly,  regularly. 

12.  Stand,  sit,  and  walk  erect. 

13.  Do  not  allow  poisons  and  infections 
to  enter  the  body. 

14.  Keep    the   teeth,   gums,    and   tongue 
clean. 

15 


15.  Work,  play,  rest,  and  sleep  in  mod- 
eration. 10. 

16.  Keep  serene.     Worry  is  the  foiling 
health.     Cultivate   the   companionshg  life 
your  fellow  men. 

17.  Avoid    self    drugging.    Beware  __  . 
plausible  humbug  of  the  patent  medicine 
faker. 

18.  Have  your  doctor  examine  you  care- 
fully once  a  year.    Also  consult  your  dentist 
at  regular  intervals. 


For  other  instructive  Health  Leaflets 

write  to  the— 

UNITED  STATES 

PUBLIC  HEALTH  SERVICE 

WASHINGTON,  D.  C. 


